HomeMy WebLinkAboutCS 20-12 � Q
City 4 • Report to
Executive Committee
PICKERING Report Number: CS 20-12
Date: June 11, 2012
From: Everett Buntsma
Director, Community Services
Subject: Urban Forest Study
- File: A-1440
Recommendation:
1. That Report CS 20-12 of the Director, Community Services regarding the Urban
Forest Study be received;
2. That the City of Pickering Urban Forest Study—Technical Report, be received by
Council for information;
3. That City staff be authorized to commence the preparation of a request for
proposals, and investigate costs related to consulting services for the preparation
of a city-wide Urban Forest Management Plan;
4. That staff be directed to include a request for funding in the 2013 Current Budget
for the purpose of retaining a consultant to assist in the preparation of a city-wide
Urban Forest Management Plan; and
5. Further that a copy of this report be forwarded to the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority for their information.
Executive Summary: On January 19, 2009, City Council passed Resolution #23/09,
to endorse the concept of the development of an Urban Forest Strategy and to retain
the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to undertake an Urban Forest
Study. The funds for the Study were subsequently passed as part of the 2009 Current
Budget. TRCA proceeded to complete the field data collection, iTree-Eco (formerly
Urban Forest Effects, or UFORE) analysis, and preparation of the draft report. The total
project cost was $78,972.60. -
A draft report was issued to all stakeholders on August 4, 2011, for their review prior to
• the October 6, 2011 Stakeholders Workshop, where the findings of the study were
presented: The attendees provided feedback on the preliminary recommendations
derived from the results, and completed a baseline assessment on the current state of
the Urban Forest Management in Pickering. The attendees also rated the criteria and
performance indicators for Strategic Urban Forest Management in order to determine
•
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Subject: Urban Forest Study Page 2
the priorities that could be included in a five year plan. The top three criteria selected
were; employing and training adequate staff to implement a city-wide urban forest plan,
developing and implementing a comprehensive urban forest management plan and
maintaining adequate funding to implement the plan.
Urban Forest protection and enhancement will be considered as part of the Downtown
Intensification Study as well as the Official Plan Amendment of the Environment and
Countryside. As such, a city-wide Urban Forest Management Plan is an essential next
step in order to provide direction. A plan also needs to be put in place for the
replacement of ash trees that will be lost due to the Emerald Ash Borer.
Financial Implications: The cost for the Urban Forest Study was budgeted at
$80,000 in,the 2009 Current Budget, with the actual project cost being $78,972.60 (HST
included). The next step to complete the Urban Forest Strategy is to prepare a city-
wide Urban Forest Management Plan. Funds to retain a consultant to prepare this plan
should be considered for inclusion in the 2013 Current Budget.
Discussion: On January 12, 2009, Report OES 01-09 regarding the Urban
Forest Strategy (Attachment 1) was presented to the Executive Committee. The
recommendation of receiving and endorsing the concept of the development of an
Urban Forest Strategy and retaining the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
(TRCA) to undertake an Urban Forest Study was passed by City Council under
Resolution #23/09 on January 19, 2009 (Attachment 2). The funds for the Study were
subsequently passed as part of the 2009 Current Budget in the amount of$80,000.
TRCA proceeded to complete the field data collection, iTree-Eco analysis and
preparation of the draft report. The total project cost was $78,972.60.
The City of Pickering retained the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to
prepare an Urban Forest Study to assess the structure and function of the urban forest,
and to provide management recommendations for enhancing the sustainability of the
urban forest and the community as a whole. A random sampling of over 200 plots was
taken throughout the study area, south of the Canadian Pacific Railway Line (Belleville
Subdivision). The data collected was sent to the USDA Forest Services, where it was
inputted into the iTree-Eco model for analysis. A Technical Working Group was formed
that included TRCA staff and City staff from Planning & Development, Engineering
Services and Municipal Operations. The Working Group reviewed the outcome of the
iTree-Eco analysis and provided direction for the Urban Forest Study Report,
Stakeholders Workshop and the recommendations that followed.
Summary of Study Results
The study looked at various aspects of the City of Pickering Urban Forest. Some of the
key findings are summarized below:
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Subject: Urban Forest Study Page 3
Tree Cover and Leaf Area
Pickering has a total of 26 percent canopy cover; 20% tree cover and 6% shrub cover.
Pickering's 1,672,000 trees provide 68 square kilometers of total leaf area.
Tree and Shrub Species
Of the 99 different species recorded, 10 of the most prevalent species account for 71%
of all the trees with Sugar Maple being the most dominant tree species. All maple tree
species account for 34% of the total leaf area. Diversification is recommended to
increase resilience of the urban forest to a range of stressors such as pests and
diseases.
Tree Size
As urban trees increase in size, their environmental (e.g. carbon storage and
sequestration, air pollution removal), social and economic benefits dramatically increase
as well. Approximately 48% of all trees in Pickering fall into the smallest diameter class
(2.5-7.6 cm diameter at breast height (dbh) and 75% are less than 15.3 cm dbh. Less
than 5% of the trees have a dbh of 38.2 cm or greater, as such, the preservation of our
mature trees is very important. Maintenance of younger trees to grow to maturity is
equally important as planting new trees.
Structural Value of Trees
The estimated value of all the trees in Pickering is approximately $627 million. This
value only represents an estimate of replacement costs and/or compensation for tree
loss. It does not include the ecological or societal value of the forest.
Carbon Storage and Sequestration
As a tree grows, it removes, or sequesters, carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The
trees in Pickering are estimated to store 104,000 metric tonnes of carbon, with an
associated value of$2.3 million. Annually, they sequester approximately 4,200 million
metric tonnes of carbon, with an associated value of$96,000.
Air Pollution Removal
The urban forest can improve local air quality by intercepting and absorbing airborne
pollutants such as ozone, particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide and carbon
monoxide. Pickering's urban forest removes 91 metric tonnes of air pollution annually;
this ecosystem service is valued at $786,000.
Stakeholders Workshop
A Stakeholders Workshop was held at the City of Pickering on October 6, 2011 with
approximately 30 attendees representing at least 11 agencies and community groups.
The findings of the study were presented, feedback was obtained on the preliminary
recommendations derived from the results and a baseline assessment was completed
on the current state of the Urban Forest Management in Pickering.
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Low scores (meaning requiring action) were given in the following areas:
• species suitability and distribution
• condition of publicly-owned trees (trees managed intensively)
• city-wide management plan
• municipality-wide funding
• City staffing
Good to Optimal scores were given in the following areas:
• publically owned natural areas (trees managed extensively, e.g. woodlands, ravine
lands, etc.)
• natural vegetation
• public agency cooperation
• canopy cover inventory
The attendees rated the Criteria and Performance Indicators for Strategic Urban Forest
Management in order to determine the priorities that could be included in a five year
plan. This exercise will need to be carried out in more detail in the management plan
development. The criteria selected in order of importance are:
1. Employ and train adequate staff to implement a city-wide Urban Forest
Management Plan.
2. Develop and implement a comprehensive Urban Forest Management Plan for
private and public property.
3. Develop and maintain adequate funding to implement an urban forest
management plan.
4. Complete an inventory of the tree resource to direct its management.
5. Ensure that the general public has a good understanding of the role of the urban
forest, and an awareness of trees as a community resource.
6. Ensure that all City departments cooperate with common goals and objectives.
Recommendations
Based on the findings from the iTree-Eco analysis, stakeholders input during the
workshop and further discussions with members of the Technical Working Group, a list
of 27 recommendations were made for consideration in the development of an Urban
Forest Management Plan. They are listed in the City of Pickering Urban Forest Study
Report— February 2012, Executive Summary, pages iv to vi. (The Urban Forest Study
Technical Report can be accessed on the City's website at
www.pickering.ca/en/living/urbanforeststrateqy.asp.)
Summary
Based on all the recommendations provided, the most logical next step is to retain a
consultant to work with City staff and other stakeholders, to prepare a city-wide Urban
Forest Management Plan. This plan will provide direction for future staffing and funding
requirements to maintain the necessary programs for tree protection, maintenance and
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enhancement, for by-law and policy development, and for further inventories to
determine critical areas for replanting to maintain a healthy, high-performing and
sustainable urban forest within the City of Pickering.
Urban Forest protection and enhancement should be considered as part of the
Downtown Intensification Study as well as the Official Plan Amendment of the
Environment and Countryside that are currently ongoing. As such, a City-wide Urban
Forest Management Plan is essential in order to provide direction. The current threat of
the Emerald Ash Borer on the City's ash trees also reminds us of the importance of our
boulevard trees and requirement for a more species diverse tree canopy system.
Attachments:
1. Report to Executive Committee, OES 01-09, dated January 12, 2009
2. Resolution #23/09, dated January 20, 2009
3. City of Pickering Urban Forest Study—Technical Report, dated February can be
accessed on the City's website www.pickering.ca/en/living/urbanforeststrategv.asp
Prepared By: Approved/Endorsed B :4
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Arnold Mostert, OALA Everett Buntsma NPD, CMM
Coordinator Director, Community Services
Landscape & Parks Development
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Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering Cit Counci
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Tony Prevedel, P.Eng.
Chief Administrative Officer
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9 4 ATTACH MENT#I TOREPORT#CS Qo"IL
City al
of /3 REPORT TO
' EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Report Number: OES 01-09
Date: January 12, 2009
35
From: Everett Buntsma
Director, Operations & Emergency Services
Subject: - Urban Forest Strategy
- File: A-1440 .
Recommendation: .
1. That Report OES 01-09 of the Director, Operations & Emergency Services be
received;
2. That Council endorse the concept of the development of an Urban Forest
Strategy for the City of Pickering;
3. That Council receive and endorse in principle the proposal from the Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority to undertake the Urban Forest Study and that
staff be directed to include funding for this study in its 2009 budget submission
for Council's consideration;
4. That should budget approval be granted in the 2009 budget, notwithstanding the
requirements of the City's Purchasing Policy, TRCA be retained to undertake the
Urban Forest Study; and
5. . That a copy of this report be forwarded to the TRCA for their information.
Executive Summary: An Urban Forest Strategy is a comprehensive document that
establishes the guiding principles and policies for the management and enhancement
of the City's urban forest and tree canopy. The strategy provides clear objectives,
measureable outcomes and makes recommendations to existing policies and practices
to sustain and enhance tree cover as an essential natural resource.
On March 25, 2008, the City of Pickering Council passed a Notice of Motion respecting
an Urban Forest Strategy under Resolution #54/08. The resolution required that staff
report back to Council with respect to the development of a terms of reference for an
Urban Forest Strategy after consultation with the Toronto and Region Conservation
Authority and the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority; that staff investigate
potential funding partners to assist in the study; and that staff identify potential
community stewardship partners for the program.
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Report OES 01-09 — -01 January 12, 2009
Subject: Urban Forest Strategy Page 2
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Subsequent meetings and discussions between staff and the TRCA initiated the
preparation of a proposal from the TRCA to assist in undertaking an Urban Forest
Study, the first step in preparing an Urban Forest Strategy.
Financial Implications: The proposed estimate from the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority to perform the Urban Forest Study is $71,097.00 (including a
10% contingency) subject to Council's direction. This cost will be considered under the
2009 budget with the potential assistance of funding from outside sources.
Sustainability Implications: An Urban Forest Strategy is a long range initiative
towards climate change adaptation. Sustaining and enhancing the City of Pickering's
urban forest and tree canopy as part of a green infrastructure will promote benefits such
as;
• improved air quality
• improved water quality
• reduced energy costs
• greenhouse gas reduction
• mitigation of"heat island effect" from urban intensification
• community capacity building
• wildlife habitat
• invasive species management
• increase of biodiversity to lessen impact of disease and insect infestation
Background:
An Urban Forest Strategy is a long term planning tool that sets vision,
establishes policy and guides actions
An Urban Forest Strategy is a tool that allows municipalities'to actively plan for a
sustainable urban forest. An Urban Forest Strategy is different from a tree planting
program because it considers urban forests as part of a planning process and
considers the long term maintenance and health of the urban forest. Developing a
strategy for sustaining and enhancing the urban forest requires a practical
understanding of the status of the current urban forest. This includes the number,
location and density of trees, species, health, age, etc, and the development of proper
policies and techniques for the planting and maintenance of urban trees. An Urban
Forest Strategy can be designed to integrate with the sustainability objectives of a
municipality and goes far beyond simply assessing the current tree canopy cover. The
foundation of a urban forest strategy is an understanding of what you have now and a
vision for what you want it to be 10, 25, and 50 years in the future.
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The first step in,the Strategy is undertaking an Urban Forest Study
The first step required to develop the Urban Forest Strategy is to perform a study to
determine the existing conditions of Pickering's urban forest. A commonly used model
is the Urban Forests Effects (UFORE) analysis, developed by the United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA), Forest Services. A random sampling of
approximately 200 sites, each 0.04 hectares in area, are taken throughout the study
area. In doing so, approximately 30 plots for each land use (Industrial, commercial,
residential, parkland etc.) are studied. Each tree over 2.5 cm (1") in caliper is
accounted for, with its species, size and health being catalogued. Shrub cover may be
considered as well. The data collected is sent to the USDA Forest Services, where
they input the data into a software program for analysis. The results and
recommendations provided from the analysis will assist the City in creating
management goals.
Prior to sending the data collected for analysis, the City's goals and objectives for the
Strategy need to be determined so that they can be addressed in the
recommendations. How does the City want to benefit from its urban forest in terms of
quality of life? For example, the focus could be on mitigating climate change and urban
heat island effects, improving air quality, restoring natural aesthetics, reducing flooding
or decreasing community energy use. Different tree species provide different benefits;
therefore, defining a livable City of Pickering will determine the kind of urban forest that
the City will require. Data analysis can be conducted for the study area as a whole or it
can be "stratified" by clumping it into various categories such as by land use or by
neighbourhood. Staff will need to determine the best format for the data analysis, so
that the results and recommendations will suit our needs in developing long term
strategies and policies for our urban forest.
On March 25, 2008, Andrea Dube of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
made a presentation regarding the Urban Forest Strategy to the City of Pickering
Council. This was followed by the passing of a Notice of Motion for an Urban Forest
Strategy under Resolution #54/08. The resolution required that staff report back to
Council with respect to the development of a terms of reference for an Urban Forest
Strategy after consultation with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the
Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority; that staff investigate potential funding
partners to assist in the study; and that staff identify potential community stewardship
partners for the program.
Councillor Littley and several staff attended a UFORE Project Design Forum hosted by
the TRCA on April 8, 2008, in order to become more informed on the process and
requirements of an Urban Forest Strategy. Among the presenters at the Forum were
Dr. David Nowak, Project Leader for the USDA Forest Service and Andy Kenney and
Meaghan Eastwood from the University of Toronto who spoke of the process and their
experiences in preparing an Urban Forest Strategy for Kelowna, B.C. The Forum was
attended by representatives from the surrounding municipalities including Ajax,
Brampton, Caledon, London, Markham, Mississauga, Peel, Pickering, Toronto,
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Vaughan and York. All the municipalities recognized the need for and indicated interest
in moving forward with preparing an Urban Forest Strategy. We have been advised
that to date the City of Toronto, City of London, Town of Ajax and Region of Peel have
proceeded and completed the field component of their studies and York Region (for
Markham and Vaughan) have plans to complete their study in 2009.
TRCA has provided a proposal to the City to undertake the Urban Forest Study
Subsequent to the passing of the Resolution, City of Pickering staff have kept in contact
with Town of Ajax staff to follow their progress, to determine the most appropriate
direction for proceeding with the study and to be informed of its associated costs. The
Town of Ajax issued a request for proposal for the Urban Forest Study and received two
quotes that came in substantially over their budget. TRCA responded to their needs
and have assisted them by performing the study for an estimated cost of approximately
$65,000, significantly less that the quotes received. In light of this, and as no funds
have yet been dedicated for this program, a terms of reference to request for proposals
from consultants was not prepared.
The Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) was consulted and staff
advised that until such time as CLOCA receives interest from its local municipalities and
have suitable forestry staff, they will not be promoting the program. In effort to advance
this program, and in light of a number of development applications currently under
review in the City that involve tree removal compensation, a meeting with Pickering and
TRCA staff was held on October 22, 2008. Discussions surrounded the fact that the
City needs to develop policies to address tree protection and removal compensation,
and establish more stringent guidelines for landscaping to enhance our urban forest.
With the expansion of development into Central Pickering and anticipated
intensification in South Pickering (including our downtown), this issue will become
critical. These policies and guidelines would become part of the final Urban Forest
Strategy. It was agreed that TRCA would provide a proposal to the City to assist in the
Urban Forest Study, similar to what they are currently doing for the Town of Ajax and
the Region of Peel.
The TRCA proposal for the Urban Forest Study, dated November 5; 2008, proposes a
study area of the existing urban and future growth areas, including the Seaton
Community, but not the rural areas. As per the recommendations of the USDA, 200
sample plots are proposed for the Pickering study taken using the "randomized grid"
method across the study area. This is recommended as it lends itself to monitor future
change within the study area and allows for post-stratification: the organization and
comparison of data collected over multiple years. The TRCA propose to begin the
study in the spring 2009, with the field data collection, in-office data compilation and
inputting proceeding during the summer months, data analysis and interpretation
proceeding in the fall, with the final Study Report being complete in early 2010.
The final Urban Forest Study report will be technical in nature, presenting and
interpreting the results of the UFORE analysis. It will provide recommendations for
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achieving the desired urban forest goals and objectives, more specifically, the benefits
and services currently being provided by the urban forest (air pollution removal,
household energy savings etc.) as well as the various structural elements of the forest
(species composition, age-class distribution etc.). Recommendations will be made for
future management directions such as increasing the number of large stature trees or
increasing species diversification in certain land use zones or neighborhoods. This
information will be used to develop planning policies and management strategies for
our urban forest.
The projected budget estimate from the TRCA to cover staff time, vehicle allowance,
data analysis and report preparation is $64,847. With a 10% contingency allowance,
the estimated cost is $71,097. It is recommended that this cost be considered by
Council in the 2009 budget.
The City of Pickering's purchasing policy requires that three formal written quotes be
required for goods and services with the proposed dollar value. Based on the
information received from the Town of Ajax and TRCA's experience and expertise, staff
request for Council's approval to proceed with TRCA and not seek additional quotes.
The Director of Corporate Services & Treasurer has been consulted with regards to this
matter and is in agreement with recommendation number 4.
Potential Funding. Partnerships have been explored
Council's Resolution required investigation into potential funding partners and the
identification of potential community stewardship partners. Members from the business
and development community in the City of Pickering have been contacted. Although
interest has been shown regarding this matter, no commitments have been made. The
feeling is that until a commitment is made by Council to proceed with the study, funding
partners will not step forward. Also more interest has been indicated for providing
funding for specific tree planting programs than for a study.
Environmental Stewardship Pickering (ESP) has accepted the challenge to assist in the
implementation of an Urban Forest Strategy. ESP is an initiative to expand the work of
the successful Frenchman's Bay Watershed Rehabilitation Project, to cover the entire
City of Pickering. In June of 2008, the City of Pickering, Ontario Power Generation and
the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority invited a wide range of environmental
and other community organizations to a forum to see if there was any interest in joining
forces. Attendees to the forum included: Indo-Canadian Cultural Association of
Durham, Hydro One, Frenchman's Bay Yacht Club, Dunbarton High School, Pickering
Rod and Gun Club, Canadian Baha'i Business Forum, Durham Environmental Advisory
Committee, Friends of Altona Forest, Friends of the Rouge, Rouge/Duffins Greenspace
Coalition, Pickering Naturalists, South Pickering Seniors Association and Pickering
Horticultural Society. The Urban Forest Strategy was presented to the organizations at
that time and all agreed that it would be a worthwhile program to participate in.
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Report OES 01-09of_l� January 12, 2009
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As an item of urgency with regards to the health and protection of our current urban
forest, an announcement was made on December 8, 2008; that the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA) have confirmed the presence of the Emerald Ash Borer in the
City of Pickering. The Emerald Ash Borer is an invasive beetle that is highly destructive
to ash trees. Approximately 20% of the street trees in the City of Pickering are ash
trees. The Urban Forest Study can identify the impact of the loss of these trees and
provide recommendations to mitigate this problem.
Attachments:
1. City of Pickering Urban Forest Study Outline (Including Projected Costs and
Timelines for a UFORE Analysis), dated November 5, 2008, Prepared by the
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
Prepared By: Approved/Endored,,By:
•
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Arnold lvlostert Everett Buntsma'`
Coordinator, Directory
Landscape & Parks Development Operations & Emergency Services
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Richfard W. H. born, P. Eng.
Djsion Head, Municipal Property & Engineering
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AM:ds
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
Recommended for the consideration
of Pickering • y . -- cil
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Chief Admi istr- ' e Officer
CORP0227-07/01 revised
ATTACHMENT TOREPPORT#, C S . 20-12_
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1 0 �,� �., TO REPORT o!-O '
City of Pickering Urban Forest Study Outline
(Including Projected Costs and Timelines for a UFORE Analysis)
November 5, 2008
Prepared for: City of Pickering
Prepared by: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
ATTACHMENT# / TO REPORT#_4.5_ 010—IA.,
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BACKGROUND
The outline that follows for an urban forest study(Program component 2) was developed in
follow up to a meeting on Wednesday, October 22, 2008,between representatives of City of
Pickering and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The purpose of the meeting
was to discuss the integration of urban forest information into sustainable community planning
as well as the basic considerations surrounding the City conducting an urban forest study. A
pressing issue was the need for immediate, interim measures for dealing with existing planning
files that need direction on tree protection and management. It was determined that initially the
City's.Urban Forest Program would have three components, as follow:
I. Component 1: research into examples of tree protection and policy in other municipalities,
e.g. stringent guidelines used in older,more treed neighbourhoods, to assist with current
planning files;
2. Component 2: design and carry out an urban forest study, using UFORE,and write
recommendations to assist the City in further urban forest strategy development; and,
3. Component 3: develop a guidance document for integrating recommendations from
components 1 and 2 into community planning and development review, to assist with
Official Plan review.
All three components will likely be started simultaneously to meet the needs and timelines of the
various users. There was discussion about the need for inter-department and inter-agency
collaboration and communication,which should include the Region's Health Department. The
City would undertake and lead components 1 and 3. TRCA was asked to prepare a basic outline
of an urban forest study to fulfill component 2. That outline follows.
COMPONENT.2—URBAN FOREST STUDY(to be led by TRCA)
Context .
The City of Pickering's green infrastructure—its street trees, hedgerows, forests,wetlands and
rich species diversity—from which the City derives ecosystem services,can play a large part in
attaining and sustaining a livable City of Pickering. The Urban Forest Study can provide a
progressive look at how trees could be a more essential part of urban community design in the
City of Pickering.
The Urban Forest Study requires a well thought out context if it is to be effective in informing
policy, development negotiation and urban design. First, it requires that the implementers
(audiences)—those who would take action to implement any ensuing urban forest management
• strategies—be identified and involved early on. Second, the Study requires that the
implementers have a reasonable definition of what is a livable City of Pickering, including how
the City wants to benefit from its urban forest in terms of quality of life—e.g. human health
and social wellbeing. Different tree species provide.different benefits; therefore, defining a
livable City of Pickering will determine the kind of urban forest that the City will require. The
accent may be on mitigating climate change and urban heat island effects, improving air
quality, restoring natural aesthetics,reducing flooding or decreasing community energy use.
2
ATTACHMENT# TOREPORT# , j��
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Those objectives need to be determined prior to designing the urban forest Study.
The ensuing Pickering Urban Forest Program objectives could form the basis for the City's
Terms of Reference for the Study. The purpose of the Study would be to determine how the
current urban forest is contributing to achieving the livable Pickering and then to inform
strategies on required restoration, enhancement and maintenance of the urban forest.
The TRCA has been managing the Urban Forest Studies for the Region of Peel and the Town
of Ajax as well as facilitating the communication and collaboration between project managers
and stakeholders of urban forest studies within and beyond the TRCA's nine watersheds.
Drawing from that experience in study design, data collection and strategy development,
TRCA can assist the City in the development of their own Study Terms of Reference. The
following is a brief outline of a recommended project description for Component 2, the City's
Urban Forest Study, including a corresponding projected budget and work plan.
Proposed Study Design
Selected Model
The Study Terms of Reference will need to include the methodology to be used to collect
information on the structure of the urban forest and the models used to relate the structure to
function(ecosystem services). A commonly used model is the Urban Forest Effects (UFORE)
analysis, which was developed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture(USDA), Forest Service,
and which has been used in cities worldwide. The UFORE model uses field data collected from
sample plots throughout a study area,together with local hourly meteorological and air`
pollution-concentration measurements,to provide a detailed assessment of the structure and
function of the urban.forest. Other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area, including
Oakville, Toronto,Peel and Ajax have used or are using UFORE as a component of their urban
forest studies. UFORE will facilitate a better understanding of the role of the City's urban
forest, will assist in the development of an urban forest strategy and will establish a baseline
for future evaluations.
Study Boundaries
In previous UFORE analyses conducted by the TRCA study boundaries were delineated by
municipal boundaries in order to provide a representative sample. The exception was the Town
of Caledon, for which only the urban settlement areas were sampled. The steep urban-rural
gradient that occurs within the municipality of Pickering may also warrant that the analysis
includes the existing urban and future growth areas, including the Seaton Community,but not
the rural areas, e.g. Ward 3 and the Duffins Rouge Agriculture Preserve.
Sampling Methodology
The UFORE analysis utilizes data (species composition,tree health and dimensions, degree of
imperviousness,etc) collected in the field from sample plots;the data are then statistically
extrapolated to estimate the condition (totals and standard errors)of the entire study area. In
2008, TRCA has used a"randomized grid"method to distribute the sample plots across study
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areas. A grid of equal size cells is overlaid across the entire study area and plots a placed
randomly within each grid cell. The USDA recommends the randomized grid method as it
lends itself to monitor future change within the study area and allows for post-stratification
(explained below).
Study Area Stratification
The data collection and analysis can be conducted for the study area as a whole but they can
also be conducted in more detail by clumping data into various categories; for example,by
land use type or by municipal ward. This is called the"stratification" of data(and the land uses
are the"strata"). Stratifying the study area into smaller units can aid in understanding
variations in the structure of the urban forest according to land use type(e.g. residential,
commercial, etc.) or potentially by neighbourhoods.
•
The timing of stratification is important. With pre-stratification, the study area is divided into
smaller units prior to plot distribution, which focuses the data collection on a predetermined
study scope. The disadvantage of pre-stratification is that a) the land use, or strata, may change
over time, making future re-evaluation potentially incomparable, and b)the data collected
according to a preset scope and purpose may not be relevant if the study scope and purpose
shifts. The USDA recommends post-stratification as it offers the most flexibility for data
organization and comparison of data collected over multiple years. The number of strata used
in an analysis is typically between 5 and 10 for an analysis of 200 plots.
All analyses of data collected in 2008 urban forest studies in the GTA (Toronto, Peel and Ajax)
will be post-stratified by land use categories. The TRCA has created a standardized set of
categories (strata), derived from the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation(MPAC)
codes,to be used in analyses for the Region of Peel and the Town of Ajax. The City of
Toronto categories are similar but adapted to their unique management needs in a more
concentrated urban setting. It is recommended that the City of Pickering post-stratify using the
categories used in Peel and Ajax in order to ensure consistency.
Plot Size and Number
In order to derive valid results from the UFORE analysis an appropriate number of sample
plots must be selected. Increasing the number of plots will lead to increased certainty in the
results, but it will also increase the time and cost of data collection. As a general.rule,200 (0.04
hectare) sample plots will yield a standard error of approximately 10% for an estimate for an
entire city I .
In accordance with the recommendations of the USDA, 200 sample plots have been used in the
analyses for Mississauga, Brampton, and Ajax. The Township of Caledon elected to use 35
plots in Caledon East and 50 plots in Bolton. According to the USDA, a minimum of 30 plots
is required to provide meaningful results in a small study area such as Caledon East. The
Township and the USDA agreed that the aforementioned plot numbers would provide a
suitable level of accuracy within a desired budget. The City of Toronto has increased the
USDA Forest Service(2007). I-tree Software Suite v1.2: User's Manual.
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number of sample plots from the original 350 to 412 in order to obtain more detailed results for
their land use categories. Given the size of the study area as well as the level of detail needed,
it is recommended that the City of Pickering use a total of 200 sample plots. A suitable plot
size for the City's analysis is 0.04 hectares (with an 11.3 meter radius), which is consistent
with all 2008 urban forest studies conducted in the GTA.
Distribution of Tasks
A breakdown of required tasks for the Component 2 Urban Forest Study is provided in Table 1
that includes a suggested distribution of tasks between the City and TRCA. This task list is
derived from previous studies and can be adapted to suit the needs of the City of Pickering.
Study Timelines
Table 2 provides a work plan for the UFORE analysis. Although several of the project
deliverables and milestones are flexible, the field data must be collected during the summer
•
leaf-on period in order to capture accurate results. Consequently,tasks relating to project setup,
including landowner contact and equipment acquisition, must be completed within the
timelines given.
Proposed Budget
A working budget for the completion of a UFORE analysis is provided in Table 3. This budget
is derived from previous studies and should be used only as a guide in budget development. In
the event that additional analyses(UFORE Hydro, aerial canopy cover analysis, etc.) are
requested by the City the budget can be adapted to reflect additional expenses.
Project Contacts
Project Manager: Lionel Normand
lnonnand @trca.on.ca, (416) 6616600 extension 5327
Urban Forestry Technician: Meaghan Eastwood
meastwood @trca.on.ca, (416)6616600 extension 5734
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Table 1: Proposed Task List
STUDY TASK` REQUIRED ACTION
PICKERING TRCA'
-Project Oversight Project direction Project management/advisory
Provide TRCA with study area shape Submit study area to USDA for plot
Set-up and Plot Selection file •generation
Landowner Contact TBD TBD
Staffing None Hire,train and supervise field crew
Resources Provide equipment(not required) Rent vehicles and purchase all equipment
Undertake and supervise all field data
Field Data Collection None collection,liaise with landowners
Data Input None Undertake and supervise data input
Data Transfer None Undertake data transfer to USDA
Communication As needed Provide regular progress reports
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Coordinate data analysis and
Analysis and Interpretation None interpretation
Reporting Editing Study report writing and presentations
Table 2: Proposed Work Plan
TASK lEAR J F. M A ';M J _-'J • A S 0 N D .Milestone``
2009
Meeting/Discussions with Pickering Staff 1
Develop Pickering-TRCA agreement 2
Study design,plot layout
Landowner contact
Vehicles and equipment,hire/train field crew
Field data collection,quality check
1n-office data compilation
Data input,data cleaning
Initiate Report-Draft Structure
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Progress Report to Pickering Staff 3
Data analysis and interpretation
Report Writing
Draft I Study Report 4
Meeting with Pickering Staff 5
2010 j
Finalize Study Report _ ; 6
Assist Pickering in implementation
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Table 3: Projected.Budget
PICKERING.'URBAN sFOREST STUDY
PROJECTED BUDGE T
UFORE Project Estimates with
Based on 200 Plot Sample Specifics Estimates 10%Contigency
Wages Project Manager(project oversight,budget,
meetings,deliverables) 1 month $6,600 $7,260
Wages-Urban Forestry Technician(Field Program
set up and admin,crew supervision,data
management,analysis interpretation,draft study
report writing) 6 months $11,667 _ $12,834
Project Set up(payment to USDA) I project $1,731 $1,731
Training Field Crews-2.5 days 1 session $395 $395
Wages-Crew Leader($160/day) 70 person days $11,200 $12,320
Wages- Field Assistant($136/day) • 70 person days $9,520 _ $10,472
Vehicle-rental small car($800/mth)' I for 3 months $2,400 $2,640
Vehicle-travel(100 km/day at$0.10/km) 70 days _ $700 $770
Vehicle-gasoline(16 km/liter at$1.40/I) 7000 km $625 $688
Other-equipment,cell phone $530 $583
Data analysis(USDA) basic analysis $3,450 $3,795
Finalization of report,meetings 2 months _ $10,000 $11,000
SUBTOTAL(1) $58,818 $64,487
Project Administration-5% _ $2,941 _ $3,224
_SUBTOTAL(2) 561,759 567,712
GST-5% $3,088 _ $3,386
TOTAL ESTIMATE COSTS $64,847 $71,097
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CORPORATE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
CLERKS DIVISION
DIRECTIVE MEMORANDUM
January 20, 2009
To: Everett Buntsma,
Director, Operations & Emergency Services
From: Debi A. Wilcox
City Clerk
Subject: Direction as per Minutes of the Meeting of City Council
held on January 19, 2009
Director, Operations & Emergency Services, Report OES 01-09
Urban Forest Strategy
COUNCIL DECISION RESOLUTION # 23/09
1. That Report OES 01-09 of the Director, Operations & Emergency Services be
received;
2. That Council endorse the concept of the development of an Urban Forest Strategy
for the City of Pickering;
3. That Council receive and endorse in principle the proposal from the Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority to undertake the Urban Forest Study and that staff
be directed to include funding for this study in its 2009 budget submission for
Council's consideration;
4. That should budget approval be granted in the 2009 budget, notwithstanding the
requirements ofthe City's Purchasing Policy, TRCA be retained to undertake the
Urban Forest Study; and
5. That a copy of Report OES 01-09, be forwarded to the Toronto and Region
Conservation Authority for their information.
Please take any action deemed necessary.
ATTACHMENT#___°Z TO REPORT# 20 -/
Subject: Directive Memorandum -- of Page 2
Report OES 01-09 January 20, 2009
108
Debi Wilcox
If r
Copy: Chief Administrative Officer
Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer